AD8311
In a control loop, calibration is performed by applying two
levels to the AD8311’s setpoint voltage and measuring the
corresponding power. The calibration points are generally
chosen to be within the linear-in-dB operating range of the
device (see Figure 37). Calculation of slope and intercept is
done using the equations
SLOPE = (VSET 2 − VSET1)/(PIN 2 − PIN1)
(15)
INTERCEPT = PIN1 − (VSET1 / SLOPE)
(16)
Once slope and intercept have been calculated, an equation can
be written which allows calculation of an (unknown) power
based on the setpoint voltage.
PIN = (VSET / SLOPE) + INTERCEPT
(17)
Using Equation 17 as a reference for the ideal input power, the
log conformance error of the measured data can be calculated:
ERROR(dB) = (PIN,IDEAL − PIN,MEASURED )
(18)
Figure 37 includes a plot of the error at 25°C, the temperature at
which the AD8311 is calibrated. Note that the error is not zero.
This is because the AD8311 does not perfectly follow the ideal
VSET vs. PIN equation, even within its operating region. The error
at the calibration points (0.45 V and 1.15 V in this case) is,
however, equal to zero by definition.
Figure 37 also includes error plots for the output voltage at
−40°C and +85 °C. These error plots are calculated using the
slope and intercept at +25°C. This is consistent with calibration
in a mass-production environment where calibration at
temperature is not practical.
SELECTING CALIBRATION POINTS TO IMPROVE
ACCURACY OVER A REDUCED RANGE
In some applications very high accuracy is required at just one
power level or over a reduced input range. For example, in a
wireless transmitter, the accuracy of the high power amplifier
(HPA) is most critical at or close to full power.
Figure 38 shows the same measured data as Figure 37. Notice
that accuracy is very high from −15 dBm to 0 dBm. Below
−15 dBm the error increases to about −2 dB. This is because the
calibration points have been changed to approximately 0.975 V
and 1.3 V.
10
4
+85°C
+25°C
0
–40°C
PIN2
3
–10
VSET2
2
–40°C
PIN1
–20
VSET1
1
+85°C
–30
0
+25°C
–40
–1
–50
–2
–60
0
–3
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6
VSET (V)
Figure 38. Output Voltage and Error vs. PIN with 2-Point Calibration at
Approximately 0.975 V and 1.3 V
Calibration points should be chosen to suit the application at
hand. In general, though, the calibration points should never be
chosen in the nonlinear portion of the log amp’s transfer
function (above 1.4 V or below 0.35 V in this case).
Figure 39 shows how calibration points can be adjusted to
increase dynamic range, but at the expense of linearity. In this
case the calibration points for slope and intercept are set at
0.37 V and 1.37 V. These points are at the end of the device’s
linear range. Once again at 25°C we see an error of 0 dB at the
calibration points. Note also that the range over which the
AD8311 maintains an error of less than ±0.5 dB is extended to
more than 45 dB at 25°C and more than 40 dB over
temperature. The disadvantage of this approach is that linearity
suffers, especially in the middle of the range.
10
4
+85°C
+25°C
0
–40°C
PIN2
3
VSET2
–10
2
–20
–30
–40
PIN1
–40°C
+25°C
1
+85°C
0
–1
–50
VSET1
–2
–60
0
–3
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6
VSET (V)
Figure 39. Dynamic Range Extension by Choosing Calibration Points that are
Close to the End of the AD8311’s Linear Range
Rev. A | Page 18 of 24